By Yewo Munthali
Lilongwe, November 13, Mana: Lilongwe District council has urged its citizens to take heed amidst the measles outbreak in some of the areas in the city.
In a published statement, dated November 7, 2024, titled, Measles Outbreak in Lilongwe District, the Council cited Area 18, 23, 24, 25, 36, 49, 50, Chinsapo, Dzenza, Kauma, Chiunjiza, Nathenje, Nthondo, Nsundwe, Mtsiliza, Mtandire and Likuni as the affected areas.
Some notable signs and symptoms of the highly infectious disease include red watery eyes, a rash that stems from the face and proceeds to the whole body as well as high fever, a cough and runny nose.
In a telephone interview with the Malawi News Agency (Mana), Tuesday, Lilongwe district Health Office Public Relations Officer, Richard Mvula, highlighted that the district health office embarked on mass vaccinations of children aged 9 months to 15 years in schools and other designated spaces in affected areas.
“We started the vaccinations last week and we are winding up today [Tuesday], the campaign was projected to vaccinate 142,945 children and by the 12th of November, 132,938 children have been vaccinated. This represents a 93% success rate which is very encouraging especially when dealing with targeted areas.” Mvula said.
Mvula further emphasized the importance of seeking medical treatment as soon as signs and symptoms appear and encouraged parents to get their children fully vaccinated against measles at public health facilities near them.
Commenting on the outbreak, health expert, Maziko Matemba, has called upon Lilongwe district to intensify vaccination campaigns to prevent further spread of the disease.
“It is sad to note that Lilongwe is affected by measles, a disease that is preventable through vaccination that is given for free,” he said
He also urged the public to take into action advice given by medical experts to prevent further spread.
The daily measles update as of 12 November shows that the district had registered 28 cases.
